World awaits 2010 World Cup draw

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All eyes on SA for World Cup draw

Ready ... The new Green Point Stadium in Cape Town will host some of the World Cup matches

04/12/2009 00:00:00 by Stage set ... The colourful Stage where World Cup draw will be conducted Related Stories South Africa pulled out all the stops ahead of the 2010 World Cup draw on Friday.

The eyes of the world will be on Cape Town where the draw for the world’s greatest football show will be watched by 100,000 people at the Waterfront, with a massive television audience in 200 countries around the world.

Security was beefed up around Cape Town as South Africa seeks to reassure fans about visiting one of the world's most crime-plagued nations.

Fears about crime have dogged South Africa since it was named host nation, but the country has pulled together, keenly aware that any incident would only heighten the country's reputation for crime.

At least 1,000 police officers would be on patrol around the event, armed forces on standby and even tightened air security protocols for flights around the city.

"There is adequate security that has been put in place," South African Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani said.

"We are more than happy with the security measures for Friday and preparations that have been put in place when the actual World Cup starts."

South Africa's chief World Cup organiser Danny Jordaan said the country is spending R1.3 billion (US$177 million) to beef up security – which includes the 41,000 police officers deployed for the event.

The country has also splashed on helicopters, water cannons, body armour and 100 new patrol vehicles.

Mobilising ... 1,000 police officers on duty in Cape Town for World Cup draw

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokeswoman Sally De Beer said 14 government departments have worked for two years to create the security plans for Friday's draw and the month-long tournament that begins June 11.

"The SAPS, the South African National Defence Force and intelligence agencies are ready to deal with any contingency, be it land, in the air or at sea," she said in a statement.

While South Africa's general crime rate is alarming, Jordaan noted that the country has staged other high-profile sports events without incident.

"For 15 years, we have not failed anybody, South Africa's track record in that is unquestionable," he told the Soccerex business conference this week.

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"In 2009, we hosted the British and Irish Lions, then we had the Indian Premier League, Confederations Cup and then the International Cricket Council matches," he said.

"Currently the England Cricket team and the Barmy army is here and I have not had complaints. If you believe South Africans are aggressive, it's a label which is unfair and unjust. There has not been a single incident of security during the hosting of these events."

"Societal crimes are not my responsibilities," Jordaan said. "Events crime is my responsibility. Events crime starts from arrival at the airport, fan parks and venue security."

Since taking office in May, South African President Jacob Zuma has taken an aggressive new tone about fighting crime, sparking a national debate about how much force police should use in chasing criminals.

With parliament mulling greater leeway for... ...

Full Story: World awaits 2010 World Cup draw

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